Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau News

Colton Blunier awarded MPFB scholarships

Colton Blunier of Speer, has been awarded both the Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau Scholarship and the MPFB Young Leaders Crops for College Scholarship.  Colton will be attending Illinois Central College this fall, studying within the Diesel-Powered Equipment Technology Program.  This is a two-year program and Colton looks forward to a career as a diesel mechanic.  Colton is the son of Darin and Keri Blunier.  Congratulations and continued success in your future endeavors, Colton!

Nutrient Stewardship Field Day - Wednesday, June 29

Join us on Wednesday, June 29th from 10 a.m. to noon - rain or shine! The field day will focus on teaching attendees about the benefits of cover crops in meeting soil health and water quality goals. RSVP by Monday, July 20th by calling the M-P Farm Bureau office. Lunch will be provided. Read more.

Farm Family Resource Initiative offers new helpline

A new helpline (1-833-FARM-SOS) will connect farmers to health professionals and services through the Farm Family Resource Initiative. Read more.

Henry Bridge (IL 18) Project

As many of you know, the Henry Bridge that crosses the Illinois River is set to be replaced.  The first community meeting was held on Wednesday, August 25.   For the most up to date information, please visit www.IL18RiverBridgeProject.com

Lacon Bridge Repairs

Many of you have requested an update on the timing of the repairs to the Lacon Bridge that crosses the Illinois River.  We are including that update for you and will be posting updates to our website as we receive them from IDOT. Latest update as of August 26, 2021.

Broadband Installation Projects

Broadband service is a necessity for today’s modern farmer. However, if broadband equipment and fiber optic lines are being installed in the area, landowners need to understand their rights. Read more.

Flood Debasement Information

Since the enactment of the farmland assessment law, farmers have had the opportunity to receive a reduced per-acre assessed value on flooded cropland. This was a topic that was discussed at great length a few years ago, but we have had some questions about it in 2021 and we thought it would be good to address it again. Continue reading.

Entry Level Driver Training for Trucking

Beginning Feb. 7, 2022, a driver must complete ELDT before applying for or upgrading to a Class A or B CDL or seeking an endorsement for hazardous materials (H), passengers (P), or school buses (S). ELDT regulations are not retroactive and do not apply to individuals with a valid CDL or who obtain an S, P or H endorsement before Feb. 7, 2022. Read more.

Nutrient Stewardship Field Day a Success

To read the article and view the video, view video

Level 1 Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspection

To view a walk-around video of the Illinois State Police vehicle inspection, click here. 

Plat book price reduced to $25

The cost of the anniversary edition 2019 plat books for Marshall and Putnam counties has been reduced to $25. This special edition plat book features historical maps from 1911. Books can be purchased at the Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau office, the Marshall and Putnam county courthouses, and the Soil and Water Conservation District office in Henry, Illinois.

2022 UCR registration now open

Registration for the 2021 UCR Registration year opened on October 1, 2021. Fees remained the same as they were for 2021 and can be found at plan.ucr.gov. Note: Registration for the 2020 registration year (except for state audit purposes) ended on September 20, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. EDT.

Illinois Waterway consolidated lock closures

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has provided information on the river closures. Read more.